BJP defends Nitin Gadkari over fresh charges of shareholding in Purti Group

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday denied fresh allegations of financial irregularities related to the Purti Group against party president Nitin Gadkari, saying there was no benefit of raising the same issue time and again.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday denied fresh allegations of financial irregularities related to the Purti Group against party president Nitin Gadkari, saying there was no benefit of raising the same issue time and again.

Reacting to a newspaper report about Gadkari's direct association with Purti Power and Sugar Limited through his family members and aides, BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: "Gadkariji has already said that he is ready to face any probe. Let's have an investigation, the truth will come out.

"This is the first time that various corruption charges have been coming out against the Congress top leadership, but they are in denial mode. On the other hand, Gadkariji has himself asked for an investigation. There is a Congress-led Government in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre, they may investigate the matter any time." said Naqvi.

The National Daily, Times of India alleged that according to annual documents submitted by Purti Power and Sugar Limited and its 18 shareholding companies to the Registrar of Companies reveal at least six instances which directly link Gadkari to the holding companies through his family members and aides.

The documents reveal that Gadkari's wife Kanchan, sons Nikhil and Sarang, nephew Sandip Bhurchandi, vice-chairman of Purti Jaykumar Varma and driver Manohar Panse were shareholders and directors in many of the holding companies at one time or the other.

However, Gadkari has maintained that he has done no wrong and is open to an inquiry.